Ramona Pop, chairwoman of the Federal Consumer Association, has cautioned against a fuel‑price brake amid rising gasoline costs. Speaking to the Funke Media Group’s newspapers, she noted that the last gas‑discount scheme ended up benefiting oil companies more than consumers and therefore should be rejected in its current form.
Pop warned that if the war in the Middle East continues, oil prices will keep climbing. “High fuel prices are here to stay for now” she said, adding that households need overall relief. She pointed to a reduction in the electricity tax, promised in the coalition agreement, as a means of easing the burden. Currently the tax cut applies only to industry, not to households, and she insists it must change so consumers receive the promised relief.
Against the backdrop of the Iran conflict and escalating energy prices, Pop also warned that heating costs could rise next winter. “If the conflict continues, gas prices will keep climbing and we’ll have to buy expensive heating for the winter” she said.
Additionally, she highlighted growing competition in the global liquefied petroleum gas market. Many Asian countries are securing supplies from Qatar. “If Qatar supplies less to the world market, those countries will need to source more elsewhere, such as Norway or the United States – and then we’ll be competing directly with them” Pop explained.